I've had cystic acne for about 3 years now and am pretty much done with trying new treatments and drugs. I've pretty much accepted the fact I will forever have cystic acne; I just want to fix some of the scarring and redness. So i'm wondering if chemical peels are not too bad of an idea?

So it's a lot worse on the right side, anyway has anyone with cystic acne tried chemical peels? Even the milder ones? If so, how painful was it, and did you see some improvement?

A professional will not do a chemical peel on cystic acne. iT will aggravate it and make it worse.

Have you considered IPL laser? Its something you have to have done in a medical spa. They first use microdemabrasion to really clean out your pores- that doesnt hurt at all. Then, they paint salacylic acid or some other strong chemical onto your face and let it sit 1/2 hour. It also doesnt hurt at all. Then, a doctor uses a laser which has the ability to go very deep into your skin, and zaps your entire face. I wont lie, it hurts. But it hurts like a rubber band snapping on you. It lasts only seconds. The entire face takes less than ten minutes.

The downtime is minimal, the next day you will look like you have some sunburn and you will be DRY. They will tell you to use only cetaphil or something extremely lightweight on your skin for a few days...you will peel. If you get it done on a Friday- youll be fine by Monday- but you cannot spend that weekend in the sun.

Ive had this done several times. In fact, my derm told me to have a series of 3 done - four weeks apart. I had severe cystic acne. It cleared up beatifully and stayed clear for about 2 years. Now, I go back and get it done just once, for maintenance- now and then. I love the results.